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US Joins WHO to Shape Future Flu Shots
11 Feb
Summary
- US to attend WHO meeting on upcoming influenza vaccine composition.
- Global flu surveillance network supports vaccine updates twice yearly.
- Funding challenges caused a slight dip in global influenza virus circulation.
The United States is set to participate in an upcoming World Health Organization (WHO) meeting at the end of February 2026. This pivotal gathering will focus on determining the composition of future influenza vaccines.
Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness, noted a temporary "slight dip" in the global circulation of influenza virus samples. This dip was attributed to funding challenges, though she confirmed that sample shipments have since resumed.
The WHO operates a robust global influenza surveillance and response network. This system comprises more than 150 laboratories spread across 130 countries, playing a central role in tracking both seasonal and zoonotic influenza viruses. The network's findings inform vaccine recommendations, which are updated every six months.
